Baker Rogers is the owner and founder of Queer Haven Books in Columbia, South Carolina. Born and raised in South Carolina, Rogers created Queer Haven to be the safe and inviting space they wanted to see in their community. 
I sat down with Rogers to learn more about the store’s mission, origin, and growth.
Rogers is a professor of sociology, and during their school years, they often dreamed of opening a business that would double as a safe space for the queer community. But that dream wasn’t always a bookstore.
The original dream was to open a queer bar, but by the time Rogers completed their Ph.D., the idea of running a bar was less appealing. After a little thought, Rogers pivoted.
“I'm passionate about education and community building, so [a bookstore] seemed like a perfect blend,” they explained.
Rogers established Queer Haven in 2023 as a pop-up and was able to transition to a brick-and-mortar bookstore after just a year.
As the store’s name and mission imply, Queer Haven is a designated safe space. They also explicitly extend that safe space beyond queer customers, as their website offers a clear explanation of their mission and views: “We define queer broadly to include all genders and sexualities that go against established norms, but also politically, as push back against all -phobias and -isms (homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, racism, ableism, ageism, sexism, etc.), discrimination, and violence in our society.”
And the Queer Haven staff are putting in the work to maintain this environment.
“We want Queer Haven Books to be a space for the whole family and the whole community.” Rogers explained. “Our staff is all queer, friendly, and knowledgeable about queer literature. We love to help people find the right book for them. From fantasy to non-fiction, there is something for everyone, queer or not. We also host a variety of events — readings and signings, queer comedy nights, live music, drag story hour and kids' craft time.”
They often take their events out of the store — and even out of the city!
“We get out in the community as much as possible to create queer space all around the Southeast, to let people know we are here for them, and to share other queer resources available in the area for those looking,” Rogers said.
“Last year we held over 160 events and pop-ups! That feels especially crazy because all of the owners and employees have other jobs or are in school.”
As this article comes shortly after Pride Month, Rogers and their team have just finished a month absolutely packed with events — they appeared at Pride events all over South Carolina. And they’re not slowing down! Their October plans for LGBTQ+ History Month are already on the calendar!
Queer Haven has grown rapidly in just two years of operation, and has quickly embedded itself in the community. Rogers credits much of their success not just to their community, but to their team.
“I learn something new every day,” they said, “and I’m surprised most days. We've tried a lot of things — some work and others flop. But we are learning all the way. Personally, I learned that running a small business entails endless work, and a lot of that involves technology that is above my pay grade. Luckily, I have employees who are younger than me and brilliant!”
Moving forward, Rogers hopes to expand the store. While they’re making good use of their 700-square-foot space, Rogers explained that a bigger space (with better parking!) would increase the overall accessibility of their store.
“I want to make sure everyone can access the space as easily as possible,” they said.
We can’t wait to see how Queer Haven Books continues to grow. If you are in South Carolina (or find yourself near one of their out-of-state events!) don’t forget to stop by!
In the meantime, you can visit the store online, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.